The TASCAM BR-20 and BR-20T were professional analogue 2-track recorder/reproducers designed for radio broadcast production, video post-production and related recording studio applications. Released in 1992, the TASCAM BR-20 series represented the final generation of TASCAM reel-to-reel machines, combining traditional analogue tape recording with microcomputer-controlled transport and location functions. The machine was developed at a time when digital equipment was becoming increasingly prominent, but analogue recorders remained widely used for their compatibility, reliability, ease of use and established production workflow.
The TASCAM BR-20 was designed as a compact professional 2-track machine using 6.35mm tape. It offered balanced +4 dBm inputs and outputs, unbalanced RCA connectivity, front-panel audio calibration controls and a precision tension servo transport system. The transport was designed to provide smooth operation, accurate time-counter readings and stable handling during manual editing. This made the TASCAM BR-20 suitable for production environments where fast editing, reliable cueing and repeatable tape handling were important.
Microcomputer control was central to the TASCAM BR-20’s design. The machine provided accurate location of three preset cue points in addition to zero, along with direct time location. The front panel included an hour, minute and second LED tape position counter, three autolocation points, return-to-zero, repeat playback and a dedicated edit function. The edit button allowed unwanted tape sections to spill rather than be taken up by the reel, making physical tape editing and splicing easier.
The TASCAM BR-20T added timecode capability for synchronised production work. It used a centre/line timecode waveform optimisation system that automatically recorded the ideal timecode waveform onto tape. This removed the need for timecode level monitoring, offset adjustment and manual timecode optimisation. The centre/line track could also be used to store production information, extending the BR-20T’s usefulness in post-production and synchronised audio workflows.
External control was another important part of the BR-20 series. The ACCESSORY 1 parallel port allowed connection to the optional TASCAM TC-402 remote control unit, providing remote transport operation. The machine could also work with external synchroniser capstan control, event triggering, mixer fader-start control and other external control signals. This made the BR-20 series suitable for installation into larger production systems rather than operating only as a standalone recorder.
The TASCAM BR-20 and BR-20T provided two tape speeds, allowing users to choose between higher sound quality and tape economy. Standard speeds were 38cm/s and 19cm/s, with 19cm/s and 9.5cm/s available on request. Both machines offered ±12% pitch control, NAB and IEC equalisation, separate VU meters for each channel, and channel-independent input and output calibration controls. The rear panel provided balanced XLR inputs and outputs, unbalanced RCA inputs and outputs, and the accessory port for external control.
The TASCAM BR-20 series was a late-era analogue recorder designed for production reliability rather than domestic use. Its combination of professional interfacing, microcomputer-controlled transport functions, accurate location features, timecode support on the TASCAM BR-20T and practical editing facilities placed it firmly in broadcast, post-production and studio environments where analogue tape remained part of the workflow.
Features
- Professional 2-track analogue recorder/reproducer for radio broadcast, video post-production and studio applications
- BR-20T version adds centre/line timecode track for synchronised production workflows
- Microcomputer-controlled transport and location functions
- Three autolocation points plus return-to-zero
- Direct time location using hour, minute and second LED tape counter
- Precision tension servo control system for smooth tape handling
- Front-panel audio calibration controls
- Balanced +4 dBm XLR inputs and outputs
- Unbalanced RCA inputs and outputs for additional connectivity
- Two selectable tape speeds for sound quality or tape economy
- ±12% pitch control
- NAB and IEC equalisation
- Individual VU meters for each channel
- Edit function allows unwanted tape sections to spill for easier splicing
- Accessory port supports optional remote transport control and external control systems
- BR-20T timecode system automatically optimises the recorded timecode waveform
One Response
Hi,
I presently own several Reel to Reel decks including a 4-track/4-channel Teac 3440A and a Tascam 32 half track mastering deck. Frankly, the T-32 is my favorite and the deck I use the most, (line recordings). However, I’ve been looking at the Tascam BR-20 and BR-20T. I need to refresh my memory about what I read in regards to the differences between the two. I’m hoping to find a BR-20T in “Good” to “Very Good” condition.